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Racks

1. An instrument or frame used for stretching, extending, retaining, or displaying, something. Specifically: An engine of torture, consisting of a large frame, upon which the body was gradually stretched until, sometimes, the joints were dislocated; formerly used judicially for extorting confessions from criminals or suspected persons. During the troubles of the fifteenth century, a rack was introduced into the tower, and was occasionally used under the plea of political necessity. (Macaulay)

3. To stretch or strain, in a figurative sense; hence, to harass, or oppress by extortion. The landlords there shamefully rack their tenants. (Spenser) They [landlords] rack a Scripture simile beyond the true intent thereof. (Fuller) Try what my credit can in Venice do; That shall be racked even to the uttermost. (Shak)